Driven By Professionals: Interview with @byronbuilds (aka. Byron Schmidt)

As a family owned Canadian company that began in 1929, we know that construction professionals need products and service they can count on.  Our slogan “Driven By Professionals” is the driving force behind all the products and services we offer. As part of a new initiative, we wanted to highlight some professionals in our industry who are doing some pretty incredible things. Each month we will be featuring two individuals in our industry to learn a little bit more about them and the type of work they specialize in.

You have probably heard of Red Seal carpenter Byron Schmidt through his Instagram or Youtube Channel @byronbuilds. Whether it’s a quick #simpletipsunday video on how to calculate the rise of your stairs, or a detailed video on the basics of Wall Layouts, Byron is sharing his knowledge and inspiring others in the trades to do the same. In this short interview he discusses the satisfaction he gets when he’s finished a job, and the importance of learning from others when getting into the trade.

Here are 8 questions with @byronbuilds:

1. Who are you?

My name is Byron Schmidt. I am a red seal carpenter in the Fraser valley BC and Instagram, Hammr, and YouTube personality @byronbuilds.

2. What’s your specialty?

The company I work for is geared toward pre-fab production framing of mid-rise multi-family residential projects.

3. How did you get into the trade?

I took a job framing as a temporary gig as I sought out a career path to provide for my growing family. Little did I know at the beginning that it was the career path.

4. What’s your favourite part about work?

Beside using some incredible heavy equipment, the satisfaction of seeing progress of “I built that” at the end of everyday.

5. What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the workplace?

Overcoming my own self doubt. Being able to make a decision or plan a course of action without running it past someone else. Being the voice of the lead did/does not come naturally to me.

6. What project/job(s) are you the most proud of? 

The most complicated ones. Laying out and building non-standard wall panels in a shop is extremely nerve racking but oh so impressive when they fit together on-site.

7. What advice would you give to someone getting into the trade?

Be an observer of everything while you work. The process, at least framing, has a nuanced flow that the seasoned guys feel as natural and my not be able to articulate specifically. Watch the actions of understanding read between the grunts of instruction. And doing extracurricular study of your trade won’t hurt (I still read carpentry books for fun).

8. BONUS! Favourite Bissett Product?

The coil nailer.

You can find more information about Byron at on his website https://www.byronbuilds.com/ or by clicking the links below:

https://www.instagram.com/byronbuilds/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5KmfAXVvnoLjMnDsFdxwA

Do you know someone who should be featured next in our series? Let us know!